Tributes have been paid to a dedicated junior football league secretary who died suddenly.

Natalie Norris, of Linden Way, Canvey, collapsed and died on December 20 after suffering a heart attack.

The, 49-year-old Southend and District Junior Sunday Football League secretary had been a committed volunteer at the club for eight years.

She leaves behind husband Tony and sons Jack 25 and George, 23.

The club, which held a minutes’ silence at Sunday’s match, issued a statement which said: “The Southend and District Junior Sunday Football League , League Committee Members, colleagues , Friends and all Member Clubs of the League, Club Secretary’s and Team Managers are mourning the sudden death and loss of Natalie Norris the Leagues Registration Secretary who passed away on December 20.

Natalie had been a league committee member for a number of years and a club secretary and a friend to all. She will be sadly missed.

No simple words however sincerely meant can ever reflect the high regard in which Natalie was held by all those who were fortunate to have known her.

All our thoughts at this difficult time must go to Tony, Natalie’s husband and her boys George and Jack , family and friends and the extended football fraternity.”

Carol Henwood, 65, from Thundersley, who is referees secretary at the club said: “It was all very sudden. There was a minute’s applause at the beginning of the Sunday game and a minute’s silence after.

“Natalie was extremely committed to grass roots football. You couldn’t come across anyone more friendly and helpful.”

Mrs Norris had previously volunteered for other youth football clubs.

Tom Clarke, 59, from Basildon, is league secretary for the Southend and District Junior Sunday Football League. He said: “Natalie was previously youth secretary for Canvey Island Football Club and secretary of Concorde Rangers Football Club.

“She was totally dedicated. She died on the Wednesday before Christmas after having a terrible heart attack. Our website and Facebook page has been inundated with tributes to Natalie. She will be greatly missed.”

The funeral will be held at Pitsea Crematorium at 12noon on Friday.